Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Q & A => Topic started by: Snickerdoodlesmom on October 22, 2013, 01:37:07 PM

Title: Clay pawprints
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on October 22, 2013, 01:37:07 PM

I found this link: http://cornflowerbluestudio.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-pet-paw-prints.html
Would it be safe to use on the chinchilla? If he ingested a teeny bit, would it be harmful?
Thanks.

Title: Re: Clay pawprints
Post by: mojito on October 26, 2013, 10:25:39 PM

While I don't think having a bit would kill them I don't think it'll be completely harmless. You could try letting them chew on a stick or a treat while you're doing this to them. That and if it's possible to get someone to help I would probably give it a try! Maybe someone else knows more about cornstarch and baking soda ingested by chins

Title: Re: Clay pawprints
Post by: Snickerdoodlesmom on October 27, 2013, 07:33:20 AM

Isn't baking soda basic? Or is it acidic?

Title: Re: Clay pawprints
Post by: GrayRodent on October 27, 2013, 11:10:54 AM

Baking soda is basic. If the finished product foams on contact with vinegar then it absolutely not safe. Otherwise I don't see a problem if a few crumbs get swallowed unintentionally.

Title: Re: Clay pawprints
Post by: mojito on October 27, 2013, 11:16:16 AM

Baking soda is an alkaline, while cornstarch is neutral. People add baking soda into the cage where their chins pee the most to help with freshness since it neutralizes it. I couldn't find anything so far about the safeness of a chin ingesting either though

Title: Re: Clay pawprints
Post by: GrayRodent on October 27, 2013, 11:26:02 AM

It is not safe for any animal to ingest pure baking soda or anything that is carbonated or can foam. The foam can get in their lungs and cause pneumonia. It can also cause major GI issues with rodents or birds since they cannot burp out the gas.